Brits- The completion of the R419 million state of the art and high tech Brits Hospital is a practical implementation of the government’s plan to offer quality health services that encompass all the stages of human development and another good story to tell, Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi said on Friday.

Dr. Motsoaledi who delivered the key note address at the celebratory event held at the Brits Rugby Stadium to mark the official opening of the new facility said the government will ensure that the hospital is run by competent people to ensure that it is highly efficient and effective.

“We are opening this hospital at the time when the government wants to change the way health facilities are run in the country. First, we demand that they must be run by competent people who have health background and appropriate expertise,” Minister Motsoaledi said before cutting the ribbon to unveil the plaque.

Motsoaledi said the government would ensure that the hospital is inspected on a regular basis by a health committee to ensure that all core standards are adhered to. The inspection would include attitude of staff, waiting time, hygiene, safety and security, infection control and drug stock outs. 

“This would become the standard by which we live every day. This hospital must be highly skilled,” he stressed.

Acting Premier and MEC for Finance, Paul Sebegoe in his address said that government has developed the Health Sector Ten Point Plan to give direction in the implementation of the health mandate.

“Revitalisation of physical health infrastructure and improving quality of services are among the Ten Point Plan for Health,” said Sebegoe.

The 216 bed facility would broaden access to quality health care services which include accident, emergency and crises centre, surgical and medical wards, paediatric and neonatal high care, kangaroo mother care, X-ray, maternity, theatres and laboratory services.

In his remarks, elated Health MEC Dr. Magome Masike said the electronic security surveillance cameras linked to access control system monitoring the entire facility on a 24-hour basis would ensure the safety of patients and staff.     

Forty-four year-old Refiloe Molao Ratsiepan said the new hospital is a relief because many people from Brits had to travel long distances to access health facilities in Ga-Rankuwa.

Expressing her approval, 42 year-old Violet Manganyi said the hospital will not only bring about improved quality of health care but will also go a long way in reducing crime in the area because people had to wake up in the early hours of the morning to avoid long queues at the old hospital, resulting in some of the people being mugged or even being raped.-TDN
Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews or @IceT_